A.I.D.S. Care Mooted As Basis For Church Order (Press, 20 October 1987)
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Summary: A.I.D.S. Care Mooted As Basis For Church Order (Press, 20 October 1987)
On 20 October 1987, Father Jim Lyons, the Catholic communications director, highlighted the potential emergence of a new religious order in response to the A.I.D.S. crisis. He indicated that the Catholic Church is exploring innovative ways to assist people affected by this health issue, especially as the responsibility for care has increasingly shifted from religious organisations to government institutions. Father Lyons expressed that providing care for A.I.D.S. patients represents a significant new need within society and that this work would include a spiritual element, as the disease impacts not only the physical health of individuals but also their overall perspective on life. The inspiration for this initiative came from the effective efforts of a religious order in San Francisco, which is grappling with a severe A.I.D.S. epidemic. Sister Helen Farrelly of the Sisters of Compassion supported the concept, suggesting that their organisation, which operates the Home of Compassion for the terminally ill, is open to extending its services to A.I.D.S. victims. She acknowledged that while it is premature to gauge the full extent of the problem, the Sisters are prepared to respond to the needs of these individuals, recognising them as among the most vulnerable in society. Warren Lindberg, the director of the A.I.D.S. Foundation, noted that although there had been no discussions with the Church on this topic, he saw parallels between the care for A.I.D.S. patients and that of individuals suffering from other life-threatening conditions. He pointed out that there could be a role for the Church in providing care to patients who prefer religious support in their treatment. Thus, the Catholic Church is contemplating a more substantial role in addressing the pressing issues related to A.I.D.S. within the community, to provide both practical and spiritual care to those in need.
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